Brief Introduction of Natisha Hiedeman
Natisha Hiedeman is a dynamic American professional basketball player, currently showcasing her talents as a guard for the Minnesota Lynx in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). Known for her sharpshooting, tenacious defense, and energetic style of play, Hiedeman has carved out a significant role in the league since being drafted 18th overall in the 2019 WNBA Draft. Her journey to the professional ranks was marked by a stellar collegiate career at Marquette University, where she became one of the program’s most decorated players. Off the court, Hiedeman is recognized for her engaging personality and her relationship with fellow WNBA player Jasmine Thomas, making her a prominent and inspiring figure in the world of women’s basketball.
Natisha Hiedeman Overview
| Full Name | Natisha Hiedeman |
| Date of Birth | February 10, 1997 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 28 |
| Birthplace | Green Bay, Wisconsin, U.S. |
| Profession | Professional Basketball Player |
| Husband/Wife | Engaged to Jasmine Thomas |
| Family | Shelly Hiedeman (Mother), Sandy Cohen II (Father), Sandy Cohen III (Brother) |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Jasmine Thomas (Fiancée) |
| Net Worth | Estimated around $1 million to $1.2 million |
Early Life and Education of Natisha Hiedeman
Natisha Hiedeman was born on February 10, 1997, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, to her mother, Shelly Hiedeman. Raised by her young, single mother, Hiedeman’s early life was not without its challenges. She has spoken about the financial difficulties her family faced, which instilled in her a strong work ethic from a young age. Her athletic prowess was evident early on. Shortly after birth, she had to wear a full-body harness for a hyperextension in her left leg. As a child, she was also the only girl on her baseball team. Hiedeman attended Green Bay Southwest High School, where she was a multi-sport star. While she excelled in basketball, she was also a standout in track and field, setting school records in the triple jump, high jump, long jump, and 100-meter hurdles. On the basketball court, she earned the nickname “T-Spoon” after WNBA legend Teresa Weatherspoon for her exciting playmaking. In her senior year, she was the leading scorer in the Green Bay metro area, averaging 25.6 points per game. Her outstanding high school career, where she became Southwest’s all-time leading scorer, made her a top recruit. She ultimately chose to continue her basketball journey at Marquette University.
Natisha Hiedeman’s Career
Natisha Hiedeman’s basketball career is a testament to her perseverance and skill, marked by a record-setting collegiate tenure and a solid professional career in the WNBA and overseas. After a standout high school career, she played for Marquette University from 2015 to 2019. She made an immediate impact, being named to the Big East All-Freshman Team in her first year. By the time she graduated, Hiedeman had become Marquette’s third all-time leading scorer with 1,913 points and the first player in program history to make 300 three-pointers. Her exceptional senior season earned her the 2019 Big East Player of the Year award and an All-American honorable mention.
Hiedeman’s success at the collegiate level led to her being selected as the 18th overall pick in the 2019 WNBA Draft by the Minnesota Lynx. On draft night, her rights were traded to the Connecticut Sun. Her early WNBA career involved some uncertainty; she was initially waived by the Sun and briefly signed with the Atlanta Dream before returning to Connecticut to make her official debut. Over the next few seasons with the Sun, she developed into a key role player, known for her three-point shooting and defensive energy. By the 2022 season, she had become a regular starter and was instrumental in the Sun’s run to the WNBA Finals. In a significant trade, Hiedeman was sent to the Minnesota Lynx on January 31, 2024, bringing her back to the team that originally drafted her.
During the WNBA off-seasons, Hiedeman has also built an international career, playing for teams in Sweden, Israel, and Russia. She has played for Maccabi Ironi Ramat Gan in the Israeli Female Basketball Premier League and Nadezhda Orenburg in Russia. Her overseas experience has further honed her skills and contributed to her development as a well-rounded player.
Natisha Hiedeman Personal Life & Family
Natisha Hiedeman was raised in Green Bay, Wisconsin, by her mother, Shelly Hiedeman, who was a significant source of support in her life. Her father is Sandy Cohen II, though he was largely absent during her childhood. Hiedeman has a half-brother, Sandy Cohen III, who also played basketball at Marquette and now plays professionally in Israel. She has Jewish ancestry from her father’s side.
Hiedeman is openly a member of the LGBTQ+ community. She is in a long-term relationship with fellow WNBA player Jasmine Thomas. The two met as teammates on the Connecticut Sun in 2019 and their friendship blossomed into a romance. They announced their engagement on September 15, 2021. Reports indicate they plan to marry in October 2025. Their relationship is seen as a supportive and balanced partnership between two professional athletes. Off the court, Hiedeman is known for her upbeat and down-to-earth personality. She enjoys music and fashion and co-hosts a Twitch streaming channel called “StudBudz” with her Lynx teammate Courtney Williams, where they entertain fans with gaming content.
Awards and Achievements of Natisha Hiedeman
- WNBA Commissioner’s Cup Champion (2024)
- Big East Player of the Year (2019)
- First-team All-Big East (2019)
- All-American Honorable Mention (2019)
- Big East All-Freshman Team (2016)
- All-BIG EAST Honorable Mention (2017)
- Nancy Lieberman Award Candidate (2019)
Natisha Hiedeman Net Worth and Income
As of recent estimates, Natisha Hiedeman’s net worth is reported to be between $1 million and $1.2 million. Her primary source of income is her salary from the WNBA. For the 2025 season with the Minnesota Lynx, she signed a one-year contract worth $135,000, which is fully guaranteed. Her career earnings in the WNBA have steadily increased since her debut.
In addition to her WNBA salary, Hiedeman’s net worth is supplemented by earnings from her overseas basketball career and various endorsement deals. While not signed with major brands like Nike or Adidas, she has partnered with companies such as Cash App and DoorDash, reflecting her growing profile and marketability. Her social media presence and ventures like her Twitch stream also contribute to her brand value and overall income.
Legacy and Influence
Natisha Hiedeman’s legacy in basketball is defined by her consistent performance, clutch play, and vibrant personality on and off the court. As a player, she has established herself as a reliable shooter and a tough defender, contributing significantly to her teams’ successes, including a trip to the WNBA Finals with the Connecticut Sun. Her journey from a challenging upbringing to becoming a professional athlete serves as an inspiration for many young aspiring players.
Off the court, Hiedeman has become a popular and influential figure. She and her fiancée, Jasmine Thomas, are a visible and respected couple in the WNBA, using their platform to promote inclusivity and love in sports. Hiedeman has also used her voice to support social causes, speaking out on issues of equality and LGBTQ+ rights, positioning herself as a role model for young athletes. Her engaging presence on social media and Twitch has allowed her to connect with fans on a more personal level, further solidifying her positive public image.
Interesting Facts about Natisha Hiedeman
- Shortly after she was born, Hiedeman had to wear a full-body harness due to a hyperextension in her left leg.
- In addition to her basketball prowess in high school, she was a track and field star, holding school records in the triple jump, high jump, long jump, and 100-meter hurdles.
- Her high school basketball nickname was “T-Spoon,” a nod to former WNBA star Teresa Weatherspoon.
- She was the only girl on her youth baseball team.
- Her 18th overall selection in the 2019 WNBA draft is the highest of any Marquette basketball player in the school’s history, with the exception of Dwyane Wade.
- She co-hosts a Twitch channel called “StudBudz” with her Minnesota Lynx teammate Courtney Williams.
- In addition to her playing career, Hiedeman has also ventured into coaching, serving as an assistant coach for Penn State’s women’s basketball team.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – followers
- Twitter – followers
- YouTube – subscribers
Final Words about Natisha Hiedeman
Natisha Hiedeman continues to be a significant presence in the WNBA, bringing a combination of skill, energy, and veteran leadership to the Minnesota Lynx. Her journey, marked by overcoming early-life obstacles and a relentless drive to succeed, has solidified her reputation as a resilient and dedicated athlete. As she continues her professional career, both in the WNBA and potentially overseas, her impact on the sport is expected to grow. Off the court, Hiedeman’s influence extends beyond basketball. As an openly gay athlete and a vocal advocate for social issues, she is helping to shape a more inclusive and accepting landscape in professional sports. Her engaging personality and connection with fans through various platforms ensure that her legacy will be one of both athletic achievement and positive influence. With her marriage to Jasmine Thomas on the horizon and her career still in full swing, Natisha Hiedeman’s future plans point towards continued success and inspiration both personally and professionally.
